• Calls for accelerated implementation of AfCFTA Digital Protocol

Nigeria has officially been designated as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion, a role that could help to create over 10 million new jobs across the continent by the end of 2025.

To this effect, Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading Africa’s digital trade agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated this yesterday, during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

The workshop, which brought together officials from federal and state governments, including commissioners of trade and industry and private sector experts, had the theme: “Unlocking State Exports Potential.”

According to Shettima, Nigeria’s progress in digital commerce, services and innovation had positioned the country as the continent’s digital trade hub.

“Our innovations in mobile payments have transformed cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and digital transactions across the continent,” he stated.

Nigeria’s appointment as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s December 2024 pledge in Cape Town to champion the digital trade agenda for all Africans.

The leadership role was formally recognised at the 38th African Union Heads of State Summit, where President Tinubu received a commendation from former Niger President, Mahamadou Issoufou, the AfCFTA Champion.

Speaking at the two-day workshop, the Vice President also announced that Nigeria’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, Dr Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, had been appointed chairperson of the Committee of Trade and Services Special Session, effective this month.

“The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to increase intra-African trade from 18 per cent in 2022 to 50 per cent by 2030. With over 109 million internet users and a thriving mobile economy, Nigeria has the foundation to lead Africa’s digital commerce evolution,” Shettima noted.

The Internet economy is projected to contribute 5.2 per cent of Africa’s GDP this year, with the continent’s digital economy expected to reach $180 billion, up from $115 billion in 2020.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, described the workshop as a welcome development, recalling that last year, President Tinubu had approved the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund to empower Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs and SMEs.

On his part, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said a nation that failed to embrace digital trade would certainly be left behind, just as he applauded the Tinubu administration for making significant strides in the ICT sector.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, commended the Vice President for championing digital trade innovations, saying while Nigeria had the tools to unlock its potential in the sector, AfCFTA remained an opportunity to leverage the nation’s strength, especially in the creative industry.

In his welcome remarks, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr Salihu Dasuki Nakande, said, “AU’s endorsement of Nigeria as the AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion is a testament to our country’s strategic role in shaping the future of digital commerce across the continent.